Asset manager Franklin Templeton has appointed Matthew Harrison and Tariq Ahmad as co-heads of its Asia-Pacific business, effective August 1 2022, replacing Vivek Kudva, the current head of the region, who will be retiring after 16 years at the firm.

Harrison, who is currently the managing director for Australia, and Ahmad, currently head of Asia distribution, will have joint ownership and accountability for developing and executing the company’s regional strategy to best serve its clients and drive growth in the region.

Both men will report to Adam Spector, executive vice-president of global advisory services. Spector says: “The Asia-Pacific region is critical to the company’s growth strategy. Both men are industry veterans with successful track records of leading investment management businesses.

“Their appointment will allow us to capture rapid growth opportunities in the backdrop of shifting market dynamics. Given the strengths of both leaders, we are confident that they will meaningfully accelerate the firm’s growth in the region.”